GREENSBORO, N.C. — Pallet homes for the homeless are returning for the second year in Greensboro. Construction on the temporary shelters started at Pomona Park on Wednesday.
A safe place for individuals to lay their heads at night and a fresh start to eventually move into a permanent home.
Those are some reasons why the City of Greensboro, in partnership with the IRC is continuing the program.
"We hope that when people move in, they may not be here the entire time. They will find housing while they're here and then be able to move in the next group or a single person that can come in," IRC Executive Director Kristina Singleton said.
In total, there are 30 8x8 pallet shelters to house 56 individuals including two ADA-compliant shelters for people with disabilities. The city said it costs about $200,000 to run the pallet home program this year.
To get a spot, you have to apply, meet certain criteria, and get a referral.
"Once the IRC receives those referrals they do a prioritization list, so we are trying to target those individuals who are at their highest risk of dying on the streets in the winter. It is important to protect those who are most vulnerable in the winter, " Liz Alverson said.
She is the Supportive Housing Analyst for the City of Greensboro who said some of the criteria for the pallet homes include: unsheltered homelessness, the elderly, and a disability.
"You can be 60 years or older, and if you have a disability it can bump you up on that prioritization list," Alverson said.
The pallet homes are currently slated to house two adults per unit. Due to their size, families will not be able to move in.
Some applicants said an opportunity like this creates a safe space in a time of need.
"When you're trying to figure out what's my next squat, and what I mean by squat what is my next place; that's hard to figure out," applicant Joanne Taylor said.
A few of the amenities include 24/7 security, air conditioning, and electricity. Currently, the city said there are no plans to expand the program.
"There's been discussion about expanding this program but at this point, we are not in a place to do that," Alverson said.
She said the shelters will be up for the next five months and the city plans to continue the program next year.
The IRC is still accepting referrals and plans to have people move into the pallet homes on Nov 6.